North Korea’s leader vows to strengthen nuclear deterrence amid missile test

The combat readiness of North Korea’s nuclear-armed forces must be continuously enhanced, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un stated during the latest test of strategic cruise missiles.

According to Kim, ensuring the sovereignty and security of the state is a fundamental necessity, as cited by Caliber.Az referring to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The missile test took place in the Yellow Sea, though details regarding its success have not yet been disclosed. The primary objective of the launch was to assess the readiness of the country’s nuclear deterrent forces.

Kim Jong-un emphasized that "the most advanced deterrent force and defence capability is guaranteed by a powerful offensive force." He reiterated that North Korea must always maintain its strategic forces in a state of full readiness. Strengthening a reliable nuclear shield, he noted, is both a crucial mission and an essential duty of the country’s nuclear forces.

Earlier, Kim Jong-un underscored the need for North Korea to establish a modernized military that is fully prepared for any conflict. Addressing cadets at the Kang Kon Military Academy, he urged them to gain practical experience on contemporary battlefields.

This marks North Korea’s fourth missile test since the start of 2025. The previous test, conducted on January 25, involved the launch of a projectile capable of being fired from underwater. According to KCNA, the purpose of that test was to demonstrate the army’s ability “to launch a counterstrike in any space and the combat readiness of various nuclear means to adversaries who seriously disrupt the security situation in the DPRK.”

Kim Jong-un reaffirmed that bolstering deterrence and defence capabilities is “guaranteed by a powerful offensive force.” He further emphasized that it is the solemn duty of North Korea’s nuclear forces to continuously strengthen their combat readiness.

“To more consistently improve the combat readiness of the nuclear-armed forces, to be in full readiness for their use, and thereby protect the sovereignty and security of the state forever with a reliable nuclear shield, is the responsible mission and duty of the Republic’s nuclear-armed forces,” the DPRK leader stated.

By Tamilla Hasanova